Method and system for merchandise hierarchy refinement by incorporation of product correlation

US8346783B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Xin Xin Bai · Beijing, CN
• Jin Dong · Beijing, CN
• Ta-Hsin Li · Yorktown Heights, US
• Zhong Lin Lin · Beijing, CN
• Hai Rong Lv · Beijing, CN
• Wen Jun Yin · Beijing, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 11, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 1, 2013
• Expiry date: Jan 27, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0204
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

System, method and computer program product for adjusting a representation of a merchandise hierarchy associated with an entity such as a retailer or wholesaler of products. Product correlation information discovered in that entity's customers' shopping records are obtained and incorporated into an existing merchandise hierarchy with a constraint on the consistency with the existing hierarchy.